Chris Billam-Smith will defend his WBO lightweight title for the second time against old foe Richard Ryakpoch at Selhurst Park on June 15.
The bout has been in the works for months and Billham-Smith is eager to fight in front of the Bournemouth crowd at the Vitality Stadium, where he won the title from Lawrence Okolie last year. but now he has to go to London’s Bournemouth Hurst. Park.
The 33-year-old champion and Riakporhe are rookie boxers in 2019, with Riakporhe winning the split at the O2 Arena, which is also expected to host the bout.
Billam-Smith made his first title defense at the Bournemouth International Center last December, knocking out Polish champion Mateusz Masternak in the eighth round.
He is trained by Shane McGuigan and is currently 19-1 (13 KOs), while the 34-year-old challenger is 17-0 (13 KOs) last time out. The battle took place in November, and the victory was timely. on France’s Dylan Bregeon was left behind. Selhurst Park is home to Premier League football club Crystal Palace and can seat over 25,000 football fans.
Billam-Smith Set To Make Second WBO Title Defense Against Old Foe Riakporhe On June 15 https://t.co/mN65agYJYi
— BoxingScene.com (@boxingscene) April 23, 2024
“I can’t wait to deliver an unforgettable, explosive performance to Bournemouth fans on Sky Sports,” said Billam-Smith.
A lot of progress has been made. The WBO belt will return to Bournemouth with me.
– My time has come,” answered Ryakpoch. “The countdown has begun. I’m the “Midnight Train” you can’t stop, Chris Billam-Smith’s run ends. I can’t wait to knock Chris out and take his title. I’ve beaten him once and I’m ready to beat him again. At this time, it does not affect the judges. He will be cold on the canvas and the world champion will remain in south London. Promoter Ben Shalom was delighted when the two teamed up to reach the rally point in Riakporhe and became the only man to beat Billam-Smith man after man.
Shalom said: “Chris Billam-Smith has a lot of support on the south coast and we hope the AFC Bournemouth fans will come out to support him as he puts his WBO world title on the line and one only “For Richard Ryakpoch. a dream that came true when he won the world title in front of the Crystal Palace fans at Selhurst Park.
“With more big boxing fights being announced, this is a can’t miss event in British boxing this summer.”
Ashley’s thoughts:
An exciting fight between Chris Billam-Smith and Richard Riakpohe for the WBO lightweight title will take place at Selhurst Park on June 15. Arriving at Selhurst Park in London.
In December last year, under the guidance of renowned trainer Shane McGuigan, Billam-Smith successfully defended his title against Mateusz Masternak and showed his strength in the eighth round. With a record of 19 wins and 1 defeat, Billam Smith will definitely be able to defeat his old opponent and bring the WBO gold belt back to Bournemouth.
On the other hand, Riak Poch has an unbeaten record of 17 wins and 0 losses. He is confident in his abilities and hopes to repeat his previous victory against Biram Smith. Coming off his recent victory over Dylan Bregan, Riak Poch is ready to deliver another punch to secure his position as WBO champion.
Both boxers expressed their enthusiasm and confidence ahead of the rematch. Billam-Smith is aiming to produce an explosive performance for Sky Sports fans and promises to win and retain the title. At the same time, Ryak Poch, known as the “Midnight Train”, was able to overthrow Billam Smith’s reign and win the WBO gold belt.
Promoter Ben Shalom is proud to announce this highly anticipated bout to boxing fans, underlining the importance of this event in the British boxing community. Selhurst Park is the backdrop for this epic fight and Shalom is looking forward to an exciting night in the ring between Billam-Smith and Riak Poch.
Boxing fans around the world are waiting for the Billam Smith vs Riak Poch fight as the anticipation for this epic match is rising. With both fighters competing for victory and the WBO title on the line, this fight will surely captivate the audience and provide an unforgettable moment in the world of boxing.
